question about prepping diapers with only cold water

[Katie T]

I have a friend who just got unbleached cotton prefolds. The problem is she only has cold water.

Will it work to get the natural oils out with cold water? It will just take a little longer but will work right?

She doesn't have a bathtub, or a large pot and had 3 dozen to prep tonight.
I have searched the old posts but didn't find a answer to this specific question.

Thanks so much guys.

[Mrs-Mama]

From what I understand, it does take HOT water to get the oils out. Does she have multiple pots that she can boil a bunch of water and add it to the washing machine?

[noobmom]

The diapers will still absorb, they just won't be at their maximum absorbency. If I were your friend, I'd wash a few times (with detergent in every load) and leave it at that. Plan to change the diapers more frequently.

[Ola_]

I'd be tempted to add some boiling water to the washing machine or use a sink or something.

[Katie T]

Originally Posted by Ola_

I'd be tempted to add some boiling water to the washing machine or use a sink or something.

The washer is 3 stories of stairs below her. But she filled her kitchen sink with straight hot water and soap and agitated them and got a lot of the oils out. (her water was dark yellow) Then she threw them into the washer for a cold wash and into the dryer and is going to continue the cycle until they are absorbant enough for her DD.

I wish she could just come over to my house and use my washer/hot water but she lives 2 1/2hrs away.

Thanks everyone.

[abiyhayil]

I've stripped dipes in the dishwasher, Maybe she could run them through there to prep?

[moobiegirl]

I also just put them in boiling water on the stove.

[Katie T]

Originally Posted by abiyhayil

I've stripped dipes in the dishwasher, Maybe she could run them through there to prep?

I have heard this is dangerous. If you shut off the heat dry is it safe? I know she has a dishwasher so this may work.

[rlmueller]

Crock pot and prepping

I used a crock pot set on the hottest setting and it worked well. I'd do it more than once since she will not get the benefit of added absorption through hot washing.

She will have to periodically do a hot soak anyway. Detergent will build-up without a hot rinse and that will cause leaks. If during a periodic hot soak (man I could use one right now) she can agitate the dipes--even better--maybe with an old fashioned wash-board? If our pioneering four mothers could do it--so can we. PM if you need more info or have other questions.

Happy diapering everyone!

[abiyhayil]

Originally Posted by Katie T

I have heard this is dangerous. If you shut off the heat dry is it safe? I know she has a dishwasher so this may work.

As long as she is cautious and checks to make sure the dipes aren't hanging down on the element, I can't see why it would hurt. And yes turn the heated dry off or stop the dishwasher before it cycles to that point.